Cardiff City were made to fight as they beat Millwall 1-0 at the Cardiff City Stadium this afternoon.
The first real chance of the first half fell in the last minute of the half, Kevin Nisbet found himself unmarked in the box, his effort was held well by Alex Runarsson in the Bluebirds' net.
Yakou Meite and Rubin Colwill were introduced at half-time, game changing subs from Erol Bulut. The Lions had two big chances around the hour mark, Zian Flemming found himself free from a corner however he headed over, Nisbet had another crack at goal this time from a free-kick, however, his effort flashed past the post.
Cardiff's first real chance of the game fell to Rubin Colwill, who after some nice trickery in the box fired just wide. A huge chance fell to Yakou Meite a few minutes later as Josh Bowler won the ball high up th field, however, the Ivorion couldn't find a way past Sarkic.
Kion Etete and Joe Ralls were introduced in the 70th minute. In the 71st minute, Kion Etete found himself alone in the Millwall box, but the forward couldn't compose himself and fired over. A few minutes later The Bluebirds won a corner, Joe Ralls delivered from the left hand side and there was Dimitrios Goutas to put home his third goal of the season and give The Bluebirds the lead.
It was heart in mouth for Bluebirds supporters for the last 15 minutes. Duncan Watmore found himself free in the box but Runarsson impressively denied the forward. Next up was Emakhu, the Irishman won the ball high up the field but could only find the side netting. The Lions then had a last second free kick, twenty yards from goal, however, the effort got as far as the wall before Perry Ng cleared the ball to confirm all three points for The Bluebirds.
Player Ratings:
Alex Runarsson (7) - An impressive performance from the Arsenal loanee. Two or three really impressive stops to deny Millwall. Good distrubution.
Perry Ng (7) - Pretty solid afternoon altogther for Ng. Solid in the tackle and got forward well, maybe needs to improve on his crossing, other than that a trademark Ng performance.
Dimitrios Goutas (8) MOTM - A goal to top off what was a solid afternoon for the Greek international. Limited Flemming to a limited amount of chances. Seemed to always be in the right place at the right time.
Mark McGuinness (7) - Similair to his partner at the back. Some key interceptions and clearences. Was one of the only real leaders on the pitch, always trying to keep spirits high and motivate others, captain in the making.
Jamilu Collins (7) - Solid afternoon for JC. Kept Brooke Norton-Cuffy relitavely quiet. Linked up well with Grant down the left.
Manolis Siopis (6) - A tail of two halfs for me. First half I thought he was poor, caught on the ball and aimlessly passing too often. Second half he improved slightly, put himself about a bit more. Appeared to be a tired Siopis performance this afternoon.
Ryan Wintle (6.5) - Thought Wintle was solid enough. The reliance on the simple ball is what frustrated supporters today, when he tried the riskier ball it seemed to come off, needs more belief and to find his killer instinct.
Callum Robinson (6) - Didn't offer a great deal. Gave maximum effort as he does most weeks, just nothing came off for him. Sub at half-time was probably the right call.
Josh Bowler (6) - Failed really to get into the game. Probably the biggest victim of The Bluebirds reluctance to look forward and try the riskier ball.
Karlan Grant (7) - Looked really dangerous down that left hand side. His pace caused Millwall plenty of problems. Similair story to Ng, final delivery needs some work, otherwise a trademark KG performance.
Ike Ugbo (6) - Same as Callum Robinson. Was forced to live off very limited scraps.
Subs:
Yakou Meite (7) - Millwall just couldn't deal with him. Improved massively when he moved out to the right hand side. An encouraging performance from the big man.
Rubin Colwill (7) - Went about his work quietly, but was effective. Seems a step ahead of everyone else on the pitch and can always identify the right pass.
Joe Ralls (7) - Came on and did everything required, sured things up in the middle of the park. Great ball for the goal.
Kion Etete (6.5) - Did well when he came on, link up and hold up play was impressive. Should have scored.
Ebou Adams (N/A) - Not on long enough, although, did almost cost us after giving away a late free-kick, but luckily The Bluebirds didn't pay the price.
Summary:
It wasn't pretty but who expected it to be? Changes needed in midweek, Colwill has to start.
Birmingham visit the Welsh capital on Wednesday.
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